Never would have hitchhiked to Birmingham
If it hadn't been for love
Never would have caught the train to Louisiana
If it hadn't been for love
Never would have run through the blinding rain
Without one dollar to my name
If it hadn't been, if it hadn't been for love

Never would have seen the trouble that I'm in
If it hadn't been for love
Would have been gone like a wayward wind
If it hadn't been for love
Nobody knows it better than me
I wouldn't be wishin' I was free
If it hadn't been, if it hadn't been for love

Four cold walls against my will
At least I know he's lying still
Four cold walls without parole
Lord, have mercy on my soul!

Never would gone to that side of town
If it hadn't been for love
Never would have took a mind to track him down
If it hadn't been for love
Never would have loaded up a 44
And put myself behind the jailhouse door
If it hadn't been, if it hadn't been for love

Four cold walls against my will
At least I know he's lying still
Four cold walls without parole
Lord, have mercy on my soul!

Never would have hitchhiked to Birmingham
If it hadn't been for love
Never would have caught the train to Louisiana
If it hadn't been for love
Never would have loaded up a 44
And put myself behind the jailhouse door
If it hadn't been, if it hadn't been for love...